The selected works, hailing from 11 nations, provide a wide-ranging perspective on the creative wave emerging as filmmakers worldwide integrate artificial intelligence into their storytelling tools.
While AI serves as the underlying medium for these productions, the real focus rests on the human creators, not the machinery.— Curt Doty, founder of the CLOWD AI Film FestivalGLENDALE, CA, UNITED STATES, September 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — On October 7–8, a fresh wave of international filmmakers will present their AI-enhanced narratives on the silver screen
The CLOWD AI Film Festival has unveiled the 22 productions chosen as finalists for its debut event, scheduled for October 7–8, 2026, at the iconic Alex Theatre located in Glendale, California.
With creators representing 11 different countries, this group of finalists delivers a remarkably diverse snapshot of what happens when storytellers worldwide leverage artificial intelligence in their craft. The lineup covers a wide spectrum—from short narratives and music videos to fantasy and utopian tales—encompassing intimate character studies, surreal dreamscapes, futuristic civilizations, cybernetic worlds, and even creatures lurking in the dust beneath our feet.
“This is precisely the reason CLOWD was established,” stated Curt Doty, founder of the CLOWD AI Film Festival. “AI serves as the tool behind these films, but the technology itself isn’t the core subject. The filmmakers are. These 22 finalists demonstrate just how varied the outcomes can be when artists from diverse countries, cultures, and creative backgrounds all gain access to the same emerging toolkit.”
Doty continued, “What caught me off guard is how delightful and deeply human so many of these pieces are. We’re watching filmmakers move past the initial spectacle of AI-generated visuals and start using these tools to craft characters, emotion, humor, and authentic perspectives. That’s when the real magic begins.”
These selected works will be screened in a traditional theater setting at the Alex Theatre, accompanied by panel conversations exploring the fast-changing relationship between film production, artificial intelligence, and human artistic expression, wrapping up with the CLOWD awards presentation.
THE 2026 CLOWD FINALISTS
SHORT NARRATIVE
DOVES — Alex Lang, USA
KEV — Mike Bennion, USA
THE WELL — Daniel Titz, Canada
ELARA & THE ASH KING — Marcus Grip, United Kingdom
A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE — Robert Gaudette, Canada
WHEN YOU RUN FROM YOUR MOM — Edmond Yang, Norway
THE DEEP BREATH — Yuri Oh, South Korea
DEPARTMENT OF GOOD MEMORIES — Caroline Kiessling, Canada
TWENTY SEVEN — Mike Bennion, USA
THE SIESTA JOB — Tamara Llorens, Spain
MUSIC VIDEO
BANG BANG — Toby Hyder, United Kingdom
LIL SOMETHING — Diana Mota, Portugal
TIC TOC ROCK — Martin Huisman, Belgium
HEROINE — Elle Cardenas, USA
SAISHO HA KAKUSEI — Jonathan Carène, France
FANTASY
ELSEWHERE — Roxanne Ducharme, Panama
CRYSTAL CAVES — Joni Dobrov, USA
LOT 94: DRINK YOUR DREAMS — Tamara Llorens, Spain
THE DUSTLING — Josie Kaye, USA
WHAT THE DEEP KNOWS — Claudia Lalau, France
UTOPIA
GITA — Alex Lang, USA
FUTURE SCENES FROM A MALL — Chien-Hua Soang, Taiwan
A WORLDWIDE STAGE FOR A NEW BREED OF STORYTELLER
This inaugural gathering will transport the online AI filmmaking community into a conventional cinema setting—showcasing some of the industry’s most cutting-edge production methods on the screen of one of Southern California’s most cherished independent theaters.
The CLOWD AI Film Festival runs October 7–8, 2026, at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California, featuring finalist screenings, panel discussions, and the CLOWD awards ceremony.
Audiences can get an early look at these films and cast their vote for the ATTENTION award via the RAD.live platform. https://rad.live/content/channel/clowd-ai-film-festival-3tApUq/
Festival passes can be purchased through TheAlex.com. Further event details are available at ClowdFilmFest.com.
ABOUT CLOWD AI FILM FESTIVAL
The CLOWD AI Film Festival honors filmmakers and storytellers who embrace artificial intelligence as an innovative artistic medium for cinematic narratives. Through theatrical presentations, competitive categories, panel dialogues, and a supportive community, CLOWD unites directors, artists, technologists, and entertainment industry figures, championing a creator-friendly approach to intellectual property while highlighting the artistry and ethical dimensions of AI-assisted filmmaking.
Media Contact:
Curt Doty
Founder, CLOWD AI Film Festival
310.994.7810
curt@realmIQ.com
Curt Doty
Clowd Film Fest
+1 310-994-7810
email us here
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